Hunt begins for the UK's most 'inspirational small busiesses'

The nationwide search for the UK’s 100 most inspirational small businesses has kicked off as part of exciting plans to celebrate this year’s Small Business Saturday UK.

Organisers are calling on brilliant small businesses from across the UK to apply to be featured in this year’s SmallBiz100 line up, which highlights the best of Britain’s vibrant small business community, as part of the official countdown to the annual campaign on 2 December.

Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign, which takes place each year on the first weekend in December, celebrating small businesses and encouraging consumers to shop small and support businesses in their communities.

The grassroots non-commercial campaign was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010 and the brand remains the principal supporter of Small Business Saturday in the UK.

Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Small Business Saturday highlights the UK’s incredible small businesses and celebrates the extraordinary contributions they make to the UK and our local communities. It continues to be a vital campaign, particularly given the ongoing challenges small firms have had.”

On Small Business Saturday customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b based businesses like accountants and plumbers. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.

Since the UK campaign started in 2013, over 1000 small businesses have been featured in the campaign’s SmallBiz100, with firms from virtually all areas of the country and sectors represented: from an ice cream parlour in Dorset and a Bookshop in Bognor Regis, to a PR firm in Worcestershire and a vintage furniture store in Glasgow.

For example, a Whitley Bay store For the Love of the North, which sells prints, cards and gifts by Northern artists, was a SmallBiz100 last year. Founders Lucy and Paul Hull said: “Being in the SmallBiz100 is such an amazing opportunity to shout loud and proud about what you do.

“To show off your passion and to inspire others who wish to pursue their dreams. It really is a fabulous community of like-minded small indie businesses.”

Small Business Saturday attracts huge attention on the day itself, but also has an impact that lasts all year. Last year the campaign trended at number one in the UK on Twitter, with the Prime Minister, leader of the opposition and the Mayor of London among those publicly supporting the campaign. Over 90 per cent of local councils also supported the campaign.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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